Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) trees are very popular indoor plants. Although a sub-tropical plant, Ficus are the only small leaf trees that are evocative of northern climate trees.
To clarify the common name Weeping Fig, it’s not because they “weep” their leaves. This weeping refers to the graceful drooping growth habit of the branches.
Ficus benjamina trees are uber-tough plants. I know this from long experience in the interior plantscaping business. In addition to maintaining them in accounts we grew them on from tissue culture starter plants in our power line nursery. They are without question my favorite indoor plant.
The undeserved reputation they have among houseplant hobbyists is most likely due to insufficient light. It’s very typical for a homeowner to locate them in a bare corner too far away from adequate light.
Unfortunately, few understand the need for and benefit of measuring light with a foot-candle (or Lux) light meter. Using window direction is vague and imprecise, particularly for someone who is not a dedicated houseplant or gardening hobbyist. That, by the way, describes the vast majority of us.
Here are some tips to avoid falling Ficus leaves.